Transitioning Your Dog From the Field to the Family Room

There comes a day when you must make the decision to transition your dog from the fields to the family room. They have put in a lot of work for you over the years and now they deserve some time to rest. Here is a list of things to consider and watch out for when moving your partner to their new retirement.

1. Give them time to adjust

Your dog has been by your side for a long time and while you aren’t leaving them forever, they may be wondering why you aren’t taking them out to the field anymore. This could cause some issues inside the house at first, especially if they have a lot of energy and are used to running around with you. Remember that when they may misbehave, they aren’t used to just relaxing.

If you think that your dog may have a harder time than others transitioning, don’t stop them cold turkey. Start with bringing them in one day a week for a few hours and gradually work your way up. This should help them adjust to their new work routine and allow them to get comfortable with their new surroundings.

2. Maintain their exercise

Over the years, you and your partner have burned many calories out in the field, so it’s important to maintain exercise routines during early retirement. Stopping their exercise right away can lead to issues of stiffness and low stamina. If you’ve got some work to do outside or maybe in town, take them with you so they can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Including them in regular tasks or chores will help them maintain their fitness so you don’t have to worry about any potential health problems that can come with low stamina.

3. Give them structure

You and your partner have formed an undeniable bond after working together the last few years. When they transition into your home, it is important to keep a consistent structure. This will help maintain not only your dog’s training but also the bond that you two have. You may decide that a weekly training maintenance session is needed in order to ensure they keep their sharp edge and continued obedience.

4. Keep them healthy with the right nutrition

When it is time for your dog to retire, they will need to keep up their diet in order to prevent gaining weight and the health issues that come from it. At Sportsman’s Pride, your pet's food is carefully designed to help you maintain your pet’s health, peak performance, and of course, happiness for many years to come. You can get the perfect recipe to keep your dog in optimal health here.